Although there are many different types of cancer, they all share a common characteristic. An external factor or a mutation damages or alters cellular DNA, causing cells to become abnormal. These abnormal cells grow out of control, producing tumors or groups of cancerous cells that may spread through the body. Inositol is a natural nutrient that may help prevent or treat several types of cancer. Talk to your doctor about inositol to decide if it is a good choice for you.
Inositol
Inositol is a common molecule found in all your cells and is similar to some of the B-complex vitamins, although it is not officially recognized as a vitamin. Inositol has many roles in your cells, as a component of cellular membranes and as a messenger that relays signals between cells. Inositol also helps regulate intracellular calcium, a crucial molecule involved in cell division and other important cellular functions.
Properties
Inositol is not stored by your body and needs to be replenished constantly. In addition to being manufactured by your kidneys, you also obtain inositol from citrus fruits, wheat germ, beans, brown rice, sesame seeds and may high-fiber foods. Inositol is a natural antioxidant that blocks free radicals from damaging your cells. These metabolic byproducts and environmental toxins can injure cellular membranes or DNA, potentially changing normal cells into cancerous cells. Inositol may also prevent potentially carcinogenic signals that might turn on cell division from reaching the cell's nucleus.
Cancer Research
Both laboratory and clinical research supports the possible benefit of inositol in preventing or treating various forms of cancer. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center summarizes the findings of several studies showing that inositol stops cultured human cancer cells from dividing and protects laboratory animals from developing cancer when exposed to carcinogens. A number of clinical trials have examined the potential benefit of inositol in preventing cancer in humans. In one of these, published in "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention" in 2006, smokers aged 40 to 70 with precancerous lung markers who took inositol had reduced numbers of abnormal lung cells compared to the placebo group. As of November 2010, a clinical trial of inositol as a cancer preventive in smokers is in progress at the Mayo Clinic.
Supplements
Inositol is available as a supplement in capsules from most health food stores. Although generally considered safe, inositol may cause digestive problems that include nausea or bloating. The compound may interact with certain medications such as blood thinners and it may interfere with the uptake of some minerals, including calcium, iron and magnesium. Discuss inositol with your doctor before adding it to your regular routine.
References
- National Cancer Institute: What is Cancer?
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Inositol Hexaphosphate
- Natural News: Inositol May Prevent Lung Cancer in Cigarette Smokers; B. Minton; January 2009
- American Cancer Society: Inositol Hexaphosphate
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Inositol in Preventing Lung Cancer in Current or Former Smokers With Bronchial Dysplasia
- "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention"; A Phase I Study of Myo-Inositol for Lung Cancer Chemoprevention; L. McWilliams, et al.; August 2006
